Engine complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 3 | 30% | — |
| 2022 | 3 | 50% | 51,000 miles |
| 2021 | 1 | 9% | — |
| 2019 | 2 | 20% | — |
| 2018 | 6 | 13% | 92,000 miles |
| 2017 | 24 | 43% | 28,000 miles |
| 2016 | 7 | 64% | 47,000 miles |
| 2015 | 11 | 58% | 85,000 miles |
| 2014 | 14 | 44% | 82,000 miles |
| 2013 | 7 | 29% | 118,000 miles |
| 2012 | 13 | 68% | 138,000 miles |
| 2011 | 7 | 64% | 111,000 miles |
| 2010 | 46 | 72% | 92,000 miles |
| 2009 | 49 | 41% | 79,000 miles |
| 2008 | 17 | 10% | 61,000 miles |
| 2007 | 29 | 15% | 75,000 miles |
| 2006 | 21 | 7% | 89,000 miles |
| 2005 | 18 | 8% | 100,000 miles |
| 2004 | 25 | 13% | 66,000 miles |
| 2003 | 24 | 11% | 71,000 miles |
| 2002 | 33 | 18% | 45,000 miles |
| 2001 | 33 | 25% | 65,000 miles |
| 2000 | 11 | 11% | 94,000 miles |
| 1999 | 28 | 15% | 69,000 miles |
| 1998 | 30 | 12% | 75,000 miles |
| 1997 | 12 | 12% | 89,000 miles |
| 1996 | 5 | 6% | — |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
My brand new car stalled in the middle of traffic; as I proceeded to step on the gas peddle after yielding -- the car completely stoped as is I hit a wall, it jerk roughly and completely stopped. At first I thought someone rear-ended me, but that wasn't the case, the car just stalled, and the "Audi Pressure Sensor" warning flashed across the screen in Bright Big Letters for a few seconds, and once the waring went away, the car turned back on. This event happened twice, about 40 days apart. My life was at risk because if I was on the expressway, the complete stop of vehicle could have cause an accident. The car completely stoped, it doesn't slow down, it just stoped roughly, very dangerous situation. I called the dealer and I have an appointment in 2 days, meanwhile I won't take the car on the expressway, or drive it if I don't have to. …
Since I bought this car in June 2023, I've had two instances where the presence feature malfunctioned when there was no danger of any accident. I've had one instance when all of the safety sensors illuminated at the same time while driving. Finally, this past Saturday, my car malfunctioned and died/ turned off while I was driving. It took a minute or so to get the car started. A malfunction notice illuminated. The area traffic is congested, so people honking at me but nobody hit me. Luckily, I was not on the freeway.
The contact owns a 2022 Audi A4. The contact stated that while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle stalled in the middle of the roadway and failed to restart. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the used car dealer where it was purchased. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle with engine failure and stated that there was a hole in the engine block. The contact was referred to an Audi dealer for a diagnostic test. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed, and it was determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The contact inquired about the cause of the engine failure, and the contact was informed that a thorough diagnostic test had not been completed. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer submitted a claim for Goodwill Assistance to the manufacturer; however, the claim was denied. …
Engine auto start / stop engages before vehicle comes to complete stop and when on a road with an incline the engine shuts off and all forward momentum is lost causing the vehicle to roll backwards. The closest description I can think of is that it feels like the automatic transmission is slipping which should not happen on a car with 2,000 miles on it. I previously drove a 2019 A4 and the older model did not have this issue. Safety issue is that engine shuts off prematurely and when on an incline the car can roll backwards. Component is available for inspection and there is warning light/indication. Has not been taken to dealer yet but plan to next week. …
The contact owned a 2018 Audi A4. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was fluid leaking from the front of the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact also stated that while the vehicle was parked, there was a puddle of fluid leaking from the front of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and it was determined that the water pump had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 92,000.
The vehicle displayed a low coolant warning and the coolant reservoir was low. Audi dealer service records dated on or about 02/14/2025 document the concern as: "client states low coolant warning was on, coolant reservoir is low, diagnose and advise." The dealer performed coolant-related work involving the thermostat gasket / coolant hoses or connections to the coolant reservoir, ran the vehicle to operating temperature, and rechecked. The concern is being reported because the coolant loss/refill issue continued or remained unresolved afterward. The exact source of coolant loss is unknown, but it may involve the water pump, thermostat, coolant reservoir, coolant hoses/pipes, pressure loss, internal coolant leak, or coolant loss that evaporates before leaving visible residue. …
2017 A4 B9 premium plus model, AWD, 2.0T. I have had an Audi dealership service my car for all major service intervals outside of oil change, not only at recommended intervals but even early. 3 years ago I had my 40K mile service done at 35K miles. Spark plugs were replaced by Audi Hawthorne in Westchester county, NY. One week ago, at 49K miles (well before the 6 years or 60K miles Audi says their spark plugs will last) my engine seized while driving and was misfiring. This caused an engine shut down WHILE THE CAR WAS IN MOTION on the highway. I was able to restart and make it off the highway where the car seized again. I had to then be towed 30 miles back home. Took it to my locally well known body shop that I have used for years for them to say: 1. My spark plugs were loose and installed incorrectly and 2. …
Symptom of low coolant in overflow reservoir; below minimum line. Pressure test concluded leak in thermostat/water pump part. Appears to be a rampant problem spanning over a decade and affecting multiple trims and redesigns (i.e B8/B9 redesign/updates). Safety put at risk for possible vehicle fire or high pressure damage for engine coolant/radiator. The problem was reproduced and confirmed at a local (non-audi dealership) repair shop. They stated that the low level of coolant was due to a small leak in the thermostat/water pump housing. The vehicle has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, or insurance. It will soon be in the local Audi dealership for a second opinion and/or possible resolution. I received a warning indicator on the dash and written pop up message on the dash board that indicated low coolant reservoir level. …
Related recalls (2)
Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Engine control module (ECU/ECM)
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2022 Audi A6 Sedan, A4 Sedan, Q5, and Q5 Sportback vehicles. The semiconductor inside the engine control unit may short-circuit and cause an engine stall.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the engine control unit, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 18, 2022. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 24iH.
Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. If the engine backfires during a cold-start, an air screen which is loosely seated in the air flow meter can become damaged.
Remedy: Dealers will install a retaining ring to hold the air screen in place.
Frequently asked questions
Which Audi A4 years have engine problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2009 (49), 2010 (46), 2001 (33), 2002 (33) and 1998 (30) model years. Engine complaints make up 41% of all complaints for the 2009.
Is there a recall for Audi A4 engine problems?
Yes — 2 recalls, including 22V-368 (engine control module (ecu/ecm), May 23, 2022); 98V-134 (cooling system, Jun 22, 1998). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Audi A4 engine problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 75,000 miles; 26% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the engine (80 mentions), followed by the engine › gasoline › belts and associated pulleys (28).
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.